The Hobbit

  This week I read The Hobbit, which is surprisingly the first experience I've ever had with this story.  I'm a film student, and we have been taught year after year the Hero's Journey.  And, much like other fantasy/sci-fi stories (such as Star Wars), this novel really followed it to a t.
  The first step in A Hero's Journey is The Ordinary World.  In The Hobbit, this is fairly simple: Bilbo Baggins is perfectly happy in his little Hobbit home in The Shire, eating and socializing with others who enjoy their relaxed and predictable lifestyle.  The Call to Adventure is when Gandalf approaches Bilbo with a quest.  The Refusal of the Call is when Bilbo is apprehensive about going on the adventure, and the dwarves come to his house.  Bilbo literally reuses to go.  Meeting with a Mentor, is Bilbo's meeting with Gandalf when Gandalf expresses to Bilbo that he possesses skills that are needed in order for the team to be successful.  Crossing the First Threshold is when the group leaves The Shire, and Bilbo rushes to catch up with them and finally agrees to aid them on the quest.  Tests, Allies, and Enemies encompasses a large part of the book.  Bilbo makes allies such as The Elves from Rivendell, The Eagles, and Beorn.  Enemies include Goblins, Wood Elves, and Wargs.  Tests include Gollum's riddles, spiders and trolls.  Approach to the Inmost Cave is when Bilbo is at a literal cave in the Lonely Mountain where Smaug and the treasure is.  The Supreme Ordeal is the big battle.  The Road Back is Bilbo's journey back home to The Shire.  Finally,  Return With the Elixir is when Bilbo returns to The Shire with a bit of treasure, and happily surprises everyone.
  


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